Liposuction

>> Body

Liposuction Chicago Il

 

Liposuction is a cosmetic procedure used to remove fat from specific regions of the body, including the arms, neck, hips, thighs, abdomen, and buttocks. Liposuction, also called lipoplasty or body contouring, is a popular cosmetic surgery for contouring the body.

Candidates for Liposuction

Lipoplasty is not considered a weight-loss procedure or alternative. Rather, liposuction is used to remove stubborn fat deposits that do not respond to dieting and exercise. You may be a candidate if:

  • You have maintained a stable weight for 6-12 months
  • You do not wish to have any more children.
  • You have problem areas that make you appear large.
  • You wish to enhance your self-esteem.
  • You are in relatively good health.

Initial Consultation

You will first meet with the plastic surgeon in the initial consultation. The doctor will show you pictures and take photographs of your problem areas. You will need to discuss your desired look with the surgeon, who will go over realistic expectations, risks, and benefits of liposuction. Liposuction reduces the number of fat cells in a specific body area, and the resulting contour changes are permanent if you maintain a stable weight. The doctor takes a medical history, perform a physical exam, and order some preoperative tests.

Before the Procedure

You will need to tell the plastic surgeon what medications you are taking before surgery. Certain drugs that can thin the blood are to be held for several days. In addition, you must arrange to have someone drive you home from the surgical center, and plan for help during your recovery period. Also, you should plan to be off from work for a few days while you heal.

During Liposuction

When you arrive at the surgical center, you will sign a consent form and change into a procedure gown. Liposuction is often done using general anesthesia, so you will be asleep during surgery. With tumescent liposuction, the surgeon makes tiny incisions around the surgical area and injects a sterile solution to aid in fat removal. The solution contains a pain reliever (anesthetic) and epinephrine, which constricts blood vessels to decrease bleeding. The hollow cannula is inserted under the skin, and the surgeon suctions fat and fluids away.

With ultrasound-assisted liposuction, the doctor inserts a small metal rod to emit ultrasonic energy into the fat tissue. This ruptures the fat cells so they can be easily removed with suction. After all fat tissue and fluid is removed, the sutures are closed using sutures. Occasionally, it may be necessary for the surgeon to place drains near the incisions to remove additional fluid build-up.

After Liposuction

After lipoplasty, you will experience mild pain, bruising, and swelling. A nurse monitors you in the recovery room for 30-40 minutes before you are discharged home. If you had extensive liposuction, you may stay overnight for monitoring. You will have bandages and a tight compression garment, which must be worn to support healing tissues and decrease swelling.

While recovering at home, avoid strenuous activities, but do move about your home. We encourage a high-protein low-sodium diet for better wound healing. You should avoid soaking in a tub or sauna until wounds heal, and will be advised to return to the surgeon’s office in 3-7 days for removal of bandages and sutures.

Results and Outcomes

In a recent study, researchers found that the majority (90%) of patients were satisfied with their liposuction procedure. The study involved over 600 patients who reported being very satisfied or satisfied with their results. In addition, the most patients were willing to have the procedure again.

Resources

Broughton G, Horton B, Lipschitz A, et al. (2006). Lifestyle Outcomes, Satisfaction, and Attitudes of Patients after Liposuction: A Dallas Experience. Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, 117(6), 1738-1749.